Business as usual for Trademark Tonic

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would firstly like to send our thoughts and thanks to all those NHS and care workers, that are taking care of patients on the front line, and also to key workers and volunteers that are keeping our daily lives going.

It is business as usual for Trademark Tonic and we are here to support you and your business during these unique and challenging times.

We are keeping track of any updates from the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices (UKIPO and EUIPO) and other IP Offices around the world.

The UKIPO is currently allowing any deadlines which fall during the ‘interrupted days’ period (which is all days currently), to be extended. This applies to all time periods in the relevant UK Acts and Rules and to time periods given out by UKIPO staff such as Examiners. The filing dates of UK Trade Mark Applications will not be affected by this period of interruption. The UKIPO will be reviewing this again on 28th May and they will be giving at least 2 weeks advance notice, of when the interrupted days period will end.

The EUIPO had previously allowed extensions of time to help businesses and individuals during the pandemic for all time limits with the Office. This came to an end on 18th May 2020, although note that some time limits can normally be extended under certain circumstances, for example, in ongoing proceedings at the EUIPO.

Given the fluid nature of the pandemic, we recommend that you continue to check the official IP Office websites for any further details (see our resources links page here) or you can contact us if you have any queries.

In our next blog, we will be discussing the creative innovation and IP issues that have arisen during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Have a good Monday